Completed around 1874 in Paris, France, “The Lady with Fans, Portrait of Nina de Callias,” is an oil-on-canvas painting by Edouard Manet, an eminent artist associated with the Impressionist movement. The artwork, a portrait measuring 113.5 by 166.5 cm, is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a woman reclining on a plush, cushioned surface. She is dressed in an elaborate, possibly velvet, black gown with gold accents, complemented by golden bracelets on her wrist. Her pose is relaxed yet engaging, with one arm propping up her head as she gazes directly at the viewer, exuding an air of sophisticated leisure and contemplation. Surrounding her are various ornate fans affixed to the wall, contributing to the luxurious and intimate ambiance of the setting. The background and the contours of the lady are rendered with Manet’s characteristic loose brushwork, which imbues the portrait with a dynamic and spontaneous feel, resonating with the essence of Impressionism.
